Bronze Reproduction of a Vallière Cannon, 19th Century

In 1732, Louis XV had been in power for ten years when Lieutenant General of Artillery Monsieur de Vallière (1667-1759) initiated major transformations affecting all sorts of military domains. In particular, he created a Royal Corps of Artillery, reduced the number of calibers of cannons (too numerous and governed by all sorts of different standards depending on the foundries). For cannons again, he drew a line on culverins, long pieces with an extended range, yet appreciable in the field.

Vallière also gave his name to a type of cannon, reproduced here, used for firing on land. Our bronze reproduction is faithful to these guns which had to be installed on carriages, often made of oak.